Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Judicial Overreach: Contempt Powers, Due Process, and the Limits of a Judge's Discretion
A judge's contempt power has limits. Learn how the Supreme Court disciplined a judge for denying a lawyer's right to post bond.
Attorney Accountability Understanding Lawyer Neglect of Duty in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer neglect of duty, abandonment of clients, and the ethical obligations of attorneys.
Upholding Due Process: Ignoring Preliminary Investigation Procedures Constitutes Gross Ignorance of the Law
A judge who skips the required preliminary investigation procedure violates due process and commits gross ignorance of the law.
Judge Fined for Gross Ignorance of the Law in Preliminary Investigation
The Supreme Court fined a municipal judge P10,000 for skipping the required preliminary investigation steps and misreading the rules on bail and arrest warrants.
Moral Turpitude and Public Service: How a Criminal Conviction Affects Government Employees
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a B.P. 22 conviction means dismissal for government employees, even with probation.
When Loss of Trust Can Lead to Termination: Employee Rights Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal, loss of trust, and due process in employee termination cases.
Substantial Compliance Prevails: Justice Over Strict Procedural Rules in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court rules substantial compliance with procedural requirements may excuse technical lapses, ensuring cases are decided on merits.
Corporate Assets and Execution: Exemptions for Juridical Entities in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why corporations cannot claim execution exemptions meant for natural persons.
Retrenchment and Due Process: Balancing Business Needs and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies retrenchment rules, due process, and damages in Clarion Printing House v. NLRC.
Due Process in Labor Dismissals: The Two-Notice Rule and the Burden of Proving Just Cause
The Supreme Court reaffirms that dismissal without proper notice and hearing is illegal, and employers bear the burden of proving just cause.
Venue Stipulations in Contracts: Limits on Exclusive Venue Clauses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when exclusive venue stipulations in contracts apply, and when they cannot restrict access to courts.
Accrual of Action: Demand as the Starting Point for Prescription in Debt Recovery
When does the prescriptive period for collecting a debt begin? The Supreme Court clarifies that demand, not maturity, starts the clock.
Upholding Contractual Obligations Enforcing Extrajudicial Settlements AND Eviction
Service of Summons on Corporations: Who Can Validly Receive It
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may validly receive summons for a corporation, including management committee members under SEC supervision.
Contract of Sale vs Piece of Work: Subcontractor Rights Under Article 1729
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a supply agreement is a piece of work, giving subcontractors direct claims against project owners.
Lost Chance to Repurchase: Understanding Time Limits in Property Sales with Right of Repurchase
The Supreme Court ruled that a vendor's right to repurchase property must be exercised within four years from the time the condition triggering it occurs.
Counsel’s Negligence Reopens Criminal Appeals for Fair Representation
When a lawyer abandons a client’s appeal, the Supreme Court may reopen the case to protect the accused’s right to counsel.
Unlawful Acquisition: Sandiganbayan’s Jurisdiction Over Forfeiture Cases
The Supreme Court affirms the Sandiganbayan’s jurisdiction over forfeiture cases under R.A. 1379, including those filed by the Ombudsman.
Rescission of Contract: Balancing Forfeiture Clauses With the Duty to Reimburse
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how rescission under Article 1191 requires mutual restitution, even when forfeiture clauses exist.
Due Process in Termination: Employer's Duty to Give Notice and Hearing
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal without notice and hearing, even with just cause, results in nominal damages.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies in PNP Administrative Cases: Mendoza v. NAPOLCOM
Supreme Court ruling on why PNP members must exhaust administrative remedies before going to court in dismissal cases.
Upholding Finality When Failure to Prosecute Leads to Dismissal on the Merits
Learn how skipping an administrative appeal and a motion for reconsideration can prove fatal to a case, as shown in this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Due Process in PNP Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that dismissed PNP officers must exhaust all administrative remedies, including appeals to the DILG Secretary and CSC, before seeking court intervention.
Reinstatement vs. Separation Pay: Upholding the Rights of Illegally Dismissed Employees
Illegal dismissal entitles workers to reinstatement and full back wages. Separation pay is only an alternative when strained relations are proven.